Summer in the Parks, Autumn Greenway, and More - 5/22/25

Hello neighbors,  

Keep reading for an update from the May 19, 2025, Common City Council meeting, including funding for the 146th corridor, responses to concerns about the Autumn Greenway, and an overview of the exciting summer plans the Parks Department has cooking!

I also wanted to extend an invitation for you to come to EidFest on May 31st from 11 am to 4 pm at Carmel Civic Square. Come celebrate with cultural activities, local food, and more!

As always, you can watch the entire City Council meeting here. 

CITY COUNCIL MEETING UPDATES

Recognition of Persons Who Wish to Address the Council

• Sadie Cohen, Miss Cardinal Teen Indiana, informed the meeting about Sadie’s Smiles for Seniors, A public service initiative where she sings to seniors as a therapeutic tool and promotes the program in schools. Thank you, Sadie!

• Former Councilor Ron Carter spoke against the affiliate review ordinance and asked the Mayor about changes her administration has made to the City Hall building.

• Barbara West, Scott McLaughlin, Mark Stevens, and Chad Crenshaw all spoke against the Autumn Greenway, saying that it is an unnecessary expansion that might have negative environmental effects, such as the destruction of a local wetland and old-growth trees.

• Dr. Freddie Kelvin informed the Council about his book, called Embracing the World’s Faiths which was written in conjunction with Center for Interfaith Cooperation members, about the world’s major faiths. The book is available at Book Baby Bookshop. 

• Frances Gileno came before the council because she was concerned that the city had put up a DORA sign on the sidewalk in front of her home designating her home as being within the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, which she felt told people they could drink on her property.  She is uncomfortable with that designation.

Your Miss Cardinal Teen Indiana, Sadie Cohen, addressing the Council

Mayoral Comments

• Cherry Tree Elementary student Kate Cremsley was the Deputy Mayor for the day. She told us that Mayor Sue Finkham met with Girl Scouts and encouraged them to get involved with local government. 

• She also attended the Home Place Block Party and dedicated Carmel’s newest public art piece, the Red Tail Hawk sculpture. 

• Additionally, Mayor Finkham also saw student presentations at the Biomedical Innovations Capstone and was blown away by the ingenuity and creativity of Carmel’s high schoolers. 

Council Comments

• Councilor Snyder says he talked with each of those residents who spoke against the Autumn Greenway personally. He assured them the project was not set in stone and that a survey is underway. The decision will not be made until the data is in. 

  • He said the wetland is manmade and has no positive environmental impact. In addition, the trees are dying and need to be removed. 

  • He reminded the meeting that the project was led by citizens, not by the Council or the Mayor.

  • Michael Klitzing, Director of Parks and Recreation, says that the survey is either done or will be done very soon. 

  
  

Finance Committee Update

• Reviewed ambulance fund

• Unanimously recommended a TIF bond ordinance as part of Ordinance D-2771-25 but this has not come out of committee 

• More about this below under New Business.

Land Use and Special Studies Update

• I updated the Council about our discussion regarding Ordinance D-2769-25, which will change permitting regulations related to parking in multi use pathways and fines for illegally doing so.

• The conversation continued at tonights land use meeting and we are close to agreement on an ordinance that will keep our multi use paths safe for all.

Parks Department Update

• Michael Klitzing, Director of Parks and Recreation, updated us on exciting programs we’ll be able to enjoy in summer!

  • Park Resource Officer Program

    • This will help embed the Carmel Police Department into the Parks Department, similar to the School Resource Office program, to create a more welcoming, safer environment. 

    • Chief Sterling introduced our two Park Resource Officers, Officer Caleb Law & Officer Clifton Hoag. He said they have enjoyed their posts and are excited about the program. 

  • The Waterpark

    • The park will be open daily from 11 am to 7 pm from May 24 to August 3

    • For the first time, it will be open during the school semester on weekends from August 9 to September 1 from 12 pm to 6 pm. It will also be open on Labor Day. 

  • Summer camp series 

    • Summer camps are starting soon. Spots are filling up fast, so register now. 

  • 2025 Summer Fun Run/Walk Series 

    • Each week from June 16 to August 10, the Parks Department will spotlight a certain area of our trails and greenways to increase the visibility of our parks.

    • There’s a $35 registration fee, which includes a free t-shirt. 

  • Splash pads

    • All splash pads will be open on Memorial Day Weekend.

  • Lawrence W. Inlow Park 

    • Inlow Park is closing temporarily and will be open in time for Memorial Day. 

    • They are fixing parts of the parking lot where water sits and the rubber safety surfacing in the playgrounds, which creates trip hazards. 

  • White River Greenway North Extension

    • They are making slow progress and will likely be open by fall. 

  • Hazel Landing Park White River Bridge 

    • This bridge creates connections between several trails in Carmel and Fishers. Work is still underway, but going well. 

  • Monon Station indoor playground at Monon Community Center

    • Join us on June 13 for the opening ceremony and ribbon cutting!

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Old Business

Reading of Ordinance D-2762-25

• Remains in Land Use & Special Studies Committee

• This would establish 15-minute parking space or spaces at the beginning of each block along Main Street from Knoll Ct to 1st Ave SE, regulate parking on Range Line from Main Street to 1st Street, and remove inconsistencies and duplications of code.

Ordinance D-2767-25

• Remains in Finance 

• This would amend the ordinance regulating the Ambulance Capital Fund.

Ordinance D-2769-25

• Remains in Land Use

• This would raise the fine for failing to display a valid permit for motor vehicle parking on a city sidewalk, multi use path, or bicycle lane to increase compliance with the law.

Ordinance D-2770-25

• Remains in Finance

• This would require owners of residential rentals to obtain a permit before renting and limit the number of authorized residential dwelling permits to ten percent (10%) of all homes within any subdivision and the City of Carmel. 

Ordinance D-2771-25

• Approved by the Finance Committee, but remains in Finance

• This would authorize a TIF bond to invest in improvements to support the development of the North End Phase II Project.

Ordinance D-2772-25

• Remains in Finance

• This would adopt requirements for nonprofit organizations receiving public support from the City.

New Business

Ordinance D-2773-25

• Sent to Finance Committee 

• This resolution corrects a mistake that was made in the wording of the Hamilton County Interlocal Agreement. 

• Language needed to be changed because the information the Council voted on didn’t make it into the existing agreement. We are voting on corrected language. 

• Henry Mestetsky, Carmel Redevelopment Director, explained that the wording will clarify that the county must have the right to pay their outstanding bonds, and the remaining revenue from our agreement must be used for the 146th Street Corridor.  

Agenda Add-Ons 

• The Council voted to name Councilor Locke as the chair of the Investigation Committee into Christkindlmarkt. 

• Councilor Locke said he was prepared to create better procedures and workflows. 

Events Around Carmel

• Honor our fallen heroes at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony on May 23 from 9 am to 10 am at the Veterans Memorial Plaza Third Avenue SW, south of City Center Drive.

• Move with the Mayor! Join Mayor Finkham in a walk from Carmel City Hall to the Carmel Arts & Design District on May 23 from 3 pm to 4 pm at One Civic Square.

• Celebrate and enjoy Muslim heritage, cultural performances, henna, food from local restaurants, and professional networking at Carmel’s first EidFest on May 31 from 11 am to 4 pm at One Civic Square.  I look forward to seeing you there!

I hope you’ve found this blog helpful in understanding the exciting initiatives the Council is working on! I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. Have a great week, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Caring for Carmel,

Dr. Anita Joshi

If you have a fifth grade Carmel student who would like to give the mayoral update at a council meeting, please reach out to me and I will be happy to put your student's name forward.

If you’d like to attend a City Council meeting, committee hearing, or other council events, please visit our website for the calendar.